Young's team hopes to build off Brier experience at Canadian junior playdowns

Nathan Young's Newfoundland and Labrador team had some of the best seats in the house to watch Brad Gushue win another Tim Hortons Brier.

The 19-year-old skip and his teammates sat on the hockey bench along the boards at the Enmax Centre on the final weekend, soaking up every moment of their first appearance at the national men's curling championship.

Earlier in the competition, they won their first Brier game, played in front of large crowds for the first time and became fan favourites along the way. Now they hope to build on that experience at the Canadian junior curling championships starting Friday at the Stratford Rotary Complex.

"I think they've gained a little bit of confidence in what they can accomplish," said coach Jeff Thomas.

Young, Sam Follett, Nathan Locke and Ben Stringer are one of two Newfoundland and Labrador entries in the 18-team men's field. There are 14 member association teams, the Ontario host team and three other teams based on two-year rolling berth spots.

The women's field also includes 18 teams, with the top three teams in each nine-team pool advancing to the playoffs. The finals are set for April 1.

Young's side earned a win over Yukon's Thomas Scoffin in its Brier debut for the team's lone round-robin victory.

With Gushue not in the provincial field due to the Winter Games schedule, Young's side took advantage and earned the N.L. berth with a victory over Greg Smith.

However, the main priority this season for Young, Follett, Locke, and Stringer — the oldest of the bunch at age 20 — has always been the Canadian juniors.

"The Brier was a huge bonus for us and a great experience," Young said. "But at the end of the day, this is the event that we've been preparing for all year."

Young said